Apparatus for the controllable modification of compound concentration in a tube
First Claim
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1. A catheter for delivering fluid, comprising:
- a flexible outer sheath having an interior surface and an exterior surface;
a polymer matrix attached to the interior surface of said sheath, said polymer matrix defining a lumen therethrough for flow of the liquid;
a therapeutic agent releasably captured by the molecules of said polymer matrix a source of energy for releasing said therapeutic agent from said polymer matrix;
a controller operably coupled to said source of energy; and
a sensor for sensing a response and producing a signal related thereto, wherein said controller activates said energy source in response to said signal.
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Abstract
Apparatus and methods for delivery of a drug or compound into a fluid flowing within a tube or catheter. In one embodiment a catheter includes an inner surface and polymer matrix such as a hydrogel. The hydrogel includes captured within it a therapeutic agent. The method of capture may be by various means, including photolabile bonds between the therapeutic agent and the hydrogel. The therapeutic agent is released from the hydrogel by the application of energy to the hydrogel, such as by a laser emitting a wavelength which resonates and breaks the photolabile bond. The released therapeutic agent diffuses out of the hydrogel into the liquid flowing within a lumen of the catheter.
162 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A catheter for delivering fluid, comprising:
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a flexible outer sheath having an interior surface and an exterior surface;
a polymer matrix attached to the interior surface of said sheath, said polymer matrix defining a lumen therethrough for flow of the liquid;
a therapeutic agent releasably captured by the molecules of said polymer matrix a source of energy for releasing said therapeutic agent from said polymer matrix;
a controller operably coupled to said source of energy; and
a sensor for sensing a response and producing a signal related thereto, wherein said controller activates said energy source in response to said signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification